Karl J. Newman
(2016-Present)
Karl is the current President and CEO of WSRB, bringing over 35 years of P/C insurance experience. He served as the President of the NW Insurance Council from 1999-2015 and held several leadership roles at PEMCO Insurance before his service at NWIC.
Over the years, Karl has held the following positions:
- John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Trainer & Coach
- President's Advisory Council, John Maxwell Team
- McKinsey Executive Panel
- Executive Committee, Washington Business Week
- Vice Chair, Organization & Structure, Washington Business Week
- Board Member, Arson Alarm Foundation
This work experience has enabled Karl to develop into the visionary leader and results-oriented executive he is today. With a track record of growing companies, developing new programs, and revitalizing existing organizations, he's able to see the big picture and find ways to meet objectives and accomplish goals.
Brian Upton-Rowley
(2001-2016)
Brian began his career in insurance in 1975, a few years after graduating from California State University in Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration.
Moving from California to Washington, he got a job at Unigard Insurance, a multi-line property and casualty insurer headquartered in Bellevue. Between 1975 and 1991, he held various positions at the company: Regional Manager, Branch Manager, Underwriting Manager, and Senior Underwriter. In 1991, Grange Insurance Association hired Brian as their Vice President of Underwriting. Five years later, he became the Vice President of R.F. Mattei & Associates.
His experiences at Unigard, Grange, and R.F. Mattei gave Brian the perfect springboard for future success. In the years leading up to his hiring at WSRB, he’d earned his CPCU and CIC designations, worked in nine different office locations, and, at various times, been responsible for results in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Brian was brought on as Assistant General Manager of WSRB in 2000. However, once WSRB was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in early 2001, Brian’s title and position changed to President and CEO.
In his 15 years as President and CEO of WSRB, Brian led the company from relative obscurity to become a recognizable brand, focusing on service and customer satisfaction. He emphasized the modernization of processes, expanding products and services to nurture a growing customer base. Similarly, he prioritized establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with insurance executives, agent associations, the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington Fire Chiefs, the Washington State Association of Fire Marshalls, and the six other independent rating bureaus operating in the U.S.
During an important era of change and modernization, as web-based systems became the norm and obsolete methods were left by the wayside, Brian’s competent hand helped WSRB succeed, grow, forge lasting relationships, and, ultimately, better serve the people of Washington state.
Brian retired in January 2016; he currently sits on the Board of Directors.
Rex W. Clark
(1985-2001)
Rex began his career at WSRB inspecting buildings, quickly advancing to Assistant Manager. He became General Manager and Proprietor in 1985, guiding the company through a critical transitional period.
The 1980s and 90s saw industry-wide shifts away from outdated methods and processes. During his tenure as the company's leader, Rex was instrumental in transforming WSRB into a technology-based enterprise. He oversaw the introduction of the first computers to increase efficiency and productivity. Additionally, Rex was responsible for transitioning the company from a partnership to a corporation.
After retiring, Rex joined the WSRB Board, eventually becoming a Director Emeritus.
Outside work, Clark was an active member of several charity organizations, including the Seattle Rotary, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, and the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International. He held leadership positions in both the Elks and the Blue Goose International.
On February 24, 2023, Rex Clark passed away at 95. We will never forget his friendly personality, natural conversational skills, and dedication to helping others. His legacy of selfless devotion will forever serve as an example for future generations.
Robert A. Pedersen
(1972-1985)
Robert “Pete” Pedersen graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in mechanical engineering. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he returned to the University of Washington for post graduate work.
Pete joined WSRB in 1946 as a Field Engineer. He steadily progressed through the ranks, becoming Chief Engineer in 1952, Assistant Manager in 1956, Associate Manager in 1957, and finally Manager in 1972.
He was an early advocate of using computers to manage the vast amounts of data and calculations required for rating bureau operations. Additionally, he supported an engineering approach to fire protection and introduced hydraulic calculation of sprinkler systems into the rating process, promoting better system design and performance.
In addition to his work at WSRB, Pete served as president of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) from 1967-1969 and held memberships in several committees, including the Long Range Planning Committee, Honors Committee, Seattle Fire Prevention Code Advisory Board, Seattle Building Code Advisory Board, Municipal League of King County, and Seattle Rotary. He chaired the NFPA Piers and Wharves Committee and was a member of both the Automatic Sprinkler Committee (1952-1972) and the Underwriters Laboratories Fire Council.
George W. Clarke
(1957-1972)
George W. Clarke was born on June 22, 1906, in Perry, Iowa. When he was young, his family relocated to Mercer Island, Washington. After completing his bachelor's degree at the University of Washington, he pursued a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law and subsequently entered the legal profession.
He became manager of WSRB in 1957, staying in the position until 1972. It was during this period that he entered politics. Clarke served in the Washington House of Representatives as a Republican from 1967 to 1971, representing the 41st district - Mercer Island and Newcastle. He continued his political journey in the Washington State Senate from 1971 to 1985.
George W. Clarke passed away on June 25, 2006, just three days after celebrating his 100th birthday.
J. K. Wooley
(1926-1957)
Lee McKenzie
(1911-1926)
